We're Back in NC! A Whirlwind of Travel and Ministry

Our family is back in Waxhaw after being away for most of the past three weeks.

We started with a week each in Franconia and Lebanon, Pennsylvania, participating in outreach and engagement events with JAARS. Brad gave helicopter rides and was able to speak at three events, sharing our family's journey thus far into ministry. We also visited a K-12 school with other JAARS members, speaking with each class to explain what JAARS does and how we support workers around the world.

Brad flew the helicopter up to Pennsylvania while Cambria drove up with the kids. Along the way, they visited friends and family, toured Jefferson's Monticello, did a drive-through of Washington D.C., and stopped at Gettysburg.

We even had a day off between locations and took the train into Philadelphia to tour the sights for the day. After our time in PA, Brad flew the helicopter back to JAARS—and William and Emrich got to ride with him!

Missions Conference

After Pennsylvania, we returned to Waxhaw for two days, and then drove down to Niceville, Florida to participate in our church's Missions Conference Week. Each fall, the church spends a week intensely focusing on missions and what God is doing globally (in fact, they do this all year long). We were so blessed to be a part of it this year, as we likely won't be able to attend in the years to come.

The highlight of the week is the Missions Fair, where each life group sets up a table or booth to highlight one of the many missionaries or organizations the church supports. There’s food from around the world, activities for the kids, and prizes—it’s always a joy!

During our week in Florida we led Sunday school, spoke to kids attending the church’s after-school tutoring program, and talked with the Sparks at Awana. We also caught up with friends from church and precious friends from our old neighborhood. It was a busy but wonderful week, and we were so well taken care of with meals and everything we needed the entire time.

Timeline Update

Our timeline to move to Papua New Guinea is always shifting, so here's our current update: we received our official invitation from the organization in PNG! This means we can now begin the paperwork for our work permit and visas. Praise God for that!

The process for a work permit and visas can take months. We are praying for everything to line up to move this January, and are comfortable resting in God's timeline as He wills.

Cambria will also apply for a nursing and midwife license in Papua New Guinea but will not work towards a work permit at this time. Our family's plan is to get settled first and focus on homeschooling as we arrive in PNG. We need prayers for wisdom and patience in all these decisions!